Depo subQ Provera 104 contains a hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). It is given as a shot (injection) every 3 months or 12 to 14 weeks.

What is the most important information I should know about Depo subQ Provera 104?

Using Depo subQ Provera 104 may cause significant loss of calcium in your bones. The longer you use this drug, the more calcium you are likely to lose. The calcium may not return completely once you stop using Depo subQ Provera 104. Loss of calcium may cause weak, porous bones (osteoporosis) that could increase the risk that your bones might break, especially after menopause. It is not known whether your risk of developing osteoporosis may be greater if you are a teenager when you start to use this medication. You should use Depo subQ Provera 104 long term (for example, >2 years) only if other methods of birth control are not right for you.

The side effect reported most frequently by women who use Depo subQ Provera 104 for contraception is a change in their normal menstrual cycle. During the first year of using Depo subQ Provera 104, you might have one or more of the following changes: irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting, an increase or decrease in menstrual bleeding, or no bleeding at all. Unusually heavy or continuous bleeding, however, is not a usual effect of Depo subQ Provera 104 and if this happens you should see your healthcare provider right away.

Studies of women who have used different forms of contraception found that women who used DeposubQ Provera 104 for contraception had no increased overall risk of developing cancer of the breast, ovary, uterus, cervix, or liver. However, women <35 years of age whose first exposure to Depo subQ Provera 104 was within the previous 4-5 years may have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer similar to that seen with oral contraceptives. You should discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported in some women using Depo subQ Provera 104.

Women who use hormone-based contraceptives may have an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. Also, if a contraceptive method fails, there is a possibility that the fertilized egg will begin to develop outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). While these events are rare, you should tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of these warning signals: sharp chest pain, coughing up of blood, or sudden shortness of breath (indicating a possible clot in the lung); sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, problems with your eyesight or speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg (indicating a possible stroke); severe pain or swelling in the calf (indicating a possible clot in the leg); unusually heavy vaginal bleeding; severe pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area; or persistent pain, pus, or bleeding at the injection site.

Depo subQ Provera 104 does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Who should not take Depo subQ Provera 104?

You should not use Depo subQ Provera 104 if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, have any unexplained vaginal bleeding, ever had breast cancer, ever had serious blood clots (such as blood clots in your legs [deep venous thrombophlebitis], lungs [pulmonary embolism], heart [heart attack], or head [stroke]), have liver disease, or are allergic to anything in Depo subQ Provera 104.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Depo subQ Provera 104?

Before your doctor prescribes Depo subQ Provera 104, your doctor may do a physical examination and check your blood and urine. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Depo subQ Provera 104. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or might be pregnant; plan to become pregnant in the next year; have breast cancer in your family; have an abnormal mammogram (breast X-ray), lumps in your breast, or bleeding from your nipples; have irregular, light, or heavy menstrual periods; have or had kidney problems; a history of high blood pressure, migraine headaches, asthma, seizures, diabetes (or if it runs in your family), depression, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, bone disease, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder), a strong family history of osteoporosis, or use drugs that can lower the amount of calcium in bones (drugs for epilepsy or steroids) or drink a lot of alcohol or smoke a lot.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: Your healthcare provider will want to be sure that you are not pregnant before you get your first injection. Normally, you will get the injection by the 5th day from the start of your menstrual period. You get it whether or not you are still bleeding. If you are breastfeeding, you may have your first shot as early as 6 weeks after you deliver your baby.

How should I take Depo subQ Provera 104?

Depo subQ Provera 104 is given as a shot just under the skin on your thigh or belly. You get it from your healthcare provider once every 3 months.

What should I avoid while taking Depo subQ Provera 104?

Avoid smoking while using Depo subQ Provera 104, especially if you are >35 years.

Depo subQ Provera 104 will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Depo subQ Provera 104?

If Depo SubQ Provera 104 is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with yoru doctor before combining Depo SubQ Provera 104 with aminoglutethimide.

What are the possible side effects of Depo subQ Provera 104?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Can I receive Depo subQ Provera 104 if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Depo subQ Provera 104 should not be administered if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Although Depo subQ Provera 104 can be passed to the nursing infant in the breastmilk, no harmful effects have been found in these children. Depo subQ Provera 104 does not prevent the breasts from producing milk, so it can be used by nursing mothers. However, to minimize the amount of Depo subQ Provera 104 that is passed to the infant in the first weeks after birth, you should wait until 6 weeks after childbirth before you start using Depo subQ Provera 104 for contraception.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Depo subQ Provera 104?

If you miss an injection, or wait longer than 14 weeks between shots, you could get pregnant. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of getting pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out when to restart Depo subQ Provera 104. You should be tested to be sure you are not pregnant.

Use another kind of nonhormonal birth control, such as condoms, until you start Depo subQ Provera 104 again.

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